If I Had a Miscarriage During Unpaid Leave, Am I Still Eligible for Benefits?
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If I Had a Miscarriage During Unpaid Leave, Am I Still Eligible for Benefits?
Taking an unpaid leave is sometimes necessary—whether for personal reasons, health concerns, or family matters. But what if during this time, you experience a miscarriage?
Many SSS members worry that not being paid by their employer at the time of the miscarriage means they lose their maternity benefit eligibility. The truth? It depends on your SSS contributions and the timing of your leave.
Let’s break this down so you can understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and know exactly what to do.
Understanding SSS Maternity Benefit Eligibility
The SSS maternity benefit for miscarriage (or childbirth) is granted if:
You have paid at least 3 monthly contributions within the 12-month period before the semester of miscarriage.
You have notified your employer or SSS about your pregnancy/miscarriage.
Your miscarriage was natural or medically necessary (not illegal).
Key point: Being on unpaid leave does not automatically disqualify you, as long as your contributions meet the requirement.
How Unpaid Leave Affects Eligibility
What’s the potential cause of benefit issues?
When you’re on unpaid leave:
Employer might stop paying contributions during your leave period.
If your leave covers critical months before the semester of miscarriage, you might not meet the 3-month minimum contributions.
Example Scenario
Maria’s Case:
On unpaid leave from April to August 2024.
Miscarriage happened in September 2024.
Her last SSS payment was in March 2024.
When checked, she only had 2 contributions in the relevant 12-month period → claim denied.
How to Solve This Problem
Step 1 – Check Your Contribution Record
Log in to your My.SSS account and verify if you have at least 3 posted monthly contributions in the required period.
Voluntary Payment: If you resigned or are on leave without pay but still within the contribution deadline for a month, pay as a voluntary member to complete the requirement.
Coordinate with Employer: If still employed, ask if they can remit contributions for the months you were on unpaid leave.
Step 3 – Prepare Your Claim Documents
Medical certificate or hospital records confirming miscarriage.
Proof of SSS contributions (from My.SSS).
Maternity notification (filed before miscarriage, if possible).
What If It Still Can’t Be Fixed?
If you’ve tried all solutions and still don’t meet the contribution requirement:
Unfortunately, SSS cannot approve your claim because the contributions rule is a legal requirement.
Focus on catching up for future pregnancies—file maternity notification early and ensure your payments are consistent.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Being on unpaid leave doesn’t automatically disqualify you.
Eligibility depends on having 3 contributions within the required 12-month period.
If short, pay as a voluntary member or coordinate with your employer.
If contributions are still incomplete after the deadline, the claim will be denied.
FAQs
1. Does unpaid leave mean my SSS stops? Yes, if your employer doesn’t remit contributions during your leave.
2. Can I pay SSS while on unpaid leave? Yes, you can pay as a voluntary member before the contribution deadline.
3. Do I need to be actively employed to claim? No, as long as your contributions are complete and within the required period.
4. What if I only paid 2 months instead of 3? Your claim will be denied unless you complete the required 3 months before the semester of miscarriage.
5. Can my employer be penalized for not paying during my leave? No, because they are not required to pay during unpaid leave—but you can cover the payments yourself.
